@Ps 59:1-17. See on Ps 57:1, title, and for history, @1Sa 19:11, &c. The scope is very similar to that of the fifty-seventh: prayer in view of malicious and violent foes, and joy in prospect of relief.
1. defend me--(Compare Margin).
rise up . . . me--(Compare @Ps 17:7).
2. (Compare @Ps 5:5 6:8).
4, 5. prepare--literally, "set themselves as in array."
awake--(Compare @Ps 3:7 7:6), appeals to God in His covenant
relation to His people (@Ps 9:18).
6, 7. They are as ravening dogs seeking prey (@Ps 59:6), and as
such,
belch out--that is, slanders, their impudent barkings.
7. for who, say they--For the full expression with the supplied words, compare @Ps 64:5.
8. (Compare @Ps 2:4 37:13).
9. By judicious expositors, and on good grounds, this is better
rendered, "O my strength, on Thee will I wait" (@Ps 59:17).
defence--(Compare @Ps 18:3).
10. prevent me--(@Ps 21:3).
see my desire--in their overthrow (@Ps 54:7).
enemies--as in @Ps 5:8.
11. Slay them not--at once (@Jud 2:21-23); but perpetuate their punishment (@Ge 4:12 Nu 32:13), by scattering or making them wander, and humble them.
12. let them even be . . . taken in their pride--while evincing it--that is, to be punished for their lies, &c.
13. Though delayed for wise reasons, the utter destruction of the wicked must come at last, and God's presence and power in and for His Church will be known abroad (@1Sa 17:46 Ps 46:10,11).
14, 15. Meanwhile let the rapacious dogs prowl, they cannot hurt the pious; yea, they shall wander famished and sleepless.
15. grudge if, &c.--literally, "they shall stay all night," that is, obtain nothing.
16, 17. Contrast the lot of God's servant, who employs his time in
God's praise.
sing aloud . . . in the morning--when they retire famishing and
disappointed, or it may denote delightful diligence in praise, as in
@Ps 30:5.